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STS-122: Launch Weather
by
rdale
on 02 Feb, 2008 15:38
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A weak cold front appears to be moving in late Wed / early Thu which I think might kick off a stray shower or storm... NWS has a 20% chance of a shower Wednesday night, but dry Thursday. I'm not quite that confident.
USAF also has just a 10% chance of a shower, so maybe I'm being too pessimistic
but overall looking good.
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#1
by
rdale
on 03 Feb, 2008 22:38
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NWS now has 20% chance of a shower, but I'm getting a little worried as a cold front appears to be hanging up across the FL peninsula Thu/Fri...
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#2
by
CTdave
on 04 Feb, 2008 02:58
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rdale
Ok, all eyes are on you for the best weather info. I'll be checking hourly up until our flight Wednesday afternoon.
GO ATLANTIS!!!
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#3
by
rdale
on 04 Feb, 2008 03:10
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Don't put too much pressure :> USAF still has only a 10% chance of a shower, 0% chance of lightning... I wish I could be that confident - but any time a strong front is in the area, I find it impossible to go that dry.
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#4
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 04 Feb, 2008 04:06
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rdale - 3/2/2008 11:10 PM
Don't put too much pressure :> USAF still has only a 10% chance of a shower, 0% chance of lightning... I wish I could be that confident - but any time a strong front is in the area, I find it impossible to go that dry.
I thought this was supposed to be a weak front? At least that's what I've heard from our local weather people here in central Florida. Has something changed?
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#5
by
rdale
on 04 Feb, 2008 05:21
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80's on Wednesday, maybe 70-ish on Thursday, so I guess it's not a MAJOR front but I don't think "weak" works well :>
Quick check before bed - and weather looking worse... More in the morning.
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#6
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 04 Feb, 2008 05:25
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rdale - 4/2/2008 1:21 AM
80's on Wednesday, maybe 70-ish on Thursday, so I guess it's not a MAJOR front but I don't think "weak" works well :>
Quick check before bed - and weather looking worse... More in the morning.
Ok. Thanks. It's been a hectic weekend. Just making sure I hadn't missed something.
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#7
by
psloss
on 04 Feb, 2008 13:28
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rdale - 4/2/2008 1:21 AM
80's on Wednesday, maybe 70-ish on Thursday, so I guess it's not a MAJOR front but I don't think "weak" works well :>
Quick check before bed - and weather looking worse... More in the morning.
It's still almost 72 hours out, but are we talking about marginal weather or is it trending to worse than marginal? 60% chance of a weather violation sounds marginal. I would guess that if the outlook is marginal when they get to the tanking MMT meeting, they'll proceed.
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#8
by
CTdave
on 04 Feb, 2008 14:59
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The NASA site now has a 60% chance of weather prohibiting the launch then clearing on Friday a.m. with only a 20% bad weather chance. At what % level & when would they cancel the attempt or will they continue with scheduled tanking & hope for a hole to open up at launch time?
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#9
by
rdale
on 04 Feb, 2008 15:01
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The computers have consistently gotten worse with time - I was more optimistic than the model output simply because USAF/NWS was going with a dry forecast so I was letting them "weigh in" just a bit (more than I should I suppose :> )
If there's ANY hope, it's that the computers can often tend a little too fast with cold fronts down there, and as of now it has precip just getting underway in the early afternoon with the 'bad weather' not until Thursday evening. If that trend can continue, we might be able to sneak getting off the ground, but if they are dead-on -- no launch Thursday.
They wouldn't postpone a launch early unless the odds of no-go are VERY VERY high.
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#10
by
psloss
on 04 Feb, 2008 15:07
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Thanks, Rob. Looks like we'll just have to wait and see where things are Wednesday night and Thursday...
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#11
by
Lawntonlookirs
on 04 Feb, 2008 15:08
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#12
by
psloss
on 04 Feb, 2008 15:22
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Lawntonlookirs - 4/2/2008 11:08 AM
http://weather.unisys.com/gfsx/3e/gfsx_pres_3e.html
The above link is for the GFS forecast for Thursday 12 Z The forecast models have been showing more rain than the earlier models.
Thanks for the link, but this is going to be a case of "hurry up and wait" for a couple of days. Assuming the countdown proceeds well, I'll be more keen on what the model looks like Wednesday evening.
All in all, I'd rather that they're dealing with marginal weather than ECO circuits.
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#13
by
Lawntonlookirs
on 04 Feb, 2008 15:38
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#14
by
rdale
on 04 Feb, 2008 15:46
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Your "Friday" link is Friday 00Z, which is 7pm Thursday, and it's from yesterday's computer run and not the current...
Friday looks fine, maybe a little low clouds, but Thursday still not too good off of the new output.
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#15
by
rdale
on 04 Feb, 2008 17:41
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NWS says Thursday will be great, just a few clouds and 20% chance of a raindrop. I'm not as optimistic as them, but I'm not as pessimistic as USAF.
Right now the American long-range model has no chance of a launch. Strong cold front moving down and stalling over the area Thursday, with numerous showers and thunderstorms (65% chance of rain, with a LOT of thick clouds.) The good news is - the American long range model is the worst model out there.
Foreign models have the front in the area, but split off the precip to the east and west of Florida. So they're dry. Bone dry.
So I'll play the "optimist" and stay with a 40% chance of no-go.
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#16
by
Joffan
on 04 Feb, 2008 17:48
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With all due respect to the forecast models; I still have yet to see a forecast source (for temperate latitudes) that is reliable for localized weather more than about 48 hours out.
Does the number of remaining tank cryo cycles play into the decision point for weather scrub prior to the cryo load?
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#17
by
rdale
on 04 Feb, 2008 17:58
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Joffan - 4/2/2008 1:48 PM
With all due respect to the forecast models
I'm a meteorologist - I'm not just regurgitating the models
It's easier to use them as a reference point in my posts since 'non-mets' can get the model themselves and see what I'm referring to, but there's much more than just "look at the pretty picture" when I'm making a forecast.
Does the number of remaining tank cryo cycles play into the decision point for weather scrub prior to the cryo load?
If it's still 60% at tanking time, I have no doubt they'll give it a try... We aren't close to needing to worry about cryo cycles.
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#18
by
DaveS
on 04 Feb, 2008 18:21
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rdale - 4/2/2008 7:58 PM
If it's still 60% at tanking time, I have no doubt they'll give it a try... We aren't close to needing to worry about cryo cycles.
Yes we are! The foam has already developed some serious questionable cracks in it! Thankfuully, they're mostly restricted around the aft part of the tank.
They had to repair some nasty cracks in the Y+ SRB PAL ramp on the ET during the ECO external feedthrough connector R&R.
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#19
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 04 Feb, 2008 19:40
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Let's also keep in mind that STS-120's launch attempt held 60% odds of weather prohibiting launch and Discovery launch in good weather. I also believe the second STS-121 attempt back on July 2, 2006 held 70% no-go weather odds and they tanked nonetheless.
As someone already said... we've just got to wait and see.
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#20
by
rdale
on 04 Feb, 2008 20:04
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Trekkie07 - 4/2/2008 3:40 PM
Let's also keep in mind that STS-120's launch attempt held 60% odds of weather prohibiting launch and Discovery launch in good weather.
Well, it wasn't 60% if you were on NSF :>
NWS now changing their forecast completely, still not as bad as NWS but now saying 'mostly cloudy with 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms"
Nothing new for me to change on.
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#21
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 04 Feb, 2008 20:23
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rdale - 4/2/2008 4:04 PM
Trekkie07 - 4/2/2008 3:40 PM
Let's also keep in mind that STS-120's launch attempt held 60% odds of weather prohibiting launch and Discovery launch in good weather.
Well, it wasn't 60% if you were on NSF :>
True. Just making a point for everyone focusing on the 60% over what you're saying.
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#22
by
dember
on 04 Feb, 2008 21:05
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As far as i can remember on the second launch try for STS-116 there was 70% chance of no-go and Discovery launched on time.
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#23
by
rdale
on 05 Feb, 2008 09:52
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Just a reminder on how percentages work... If the same forecast were made 10 times, and we had a 60% no-go chance, that means we would launch on 4 of those 10 times. Only if there is a 100% chance of no-go is there no chance of a go.
In any case, not much has changed other than NWS continuing to go more pessimistic with their public forecast (40% chance of storms Thursday vs their 0% chance a few days ago) but nothing I'm seeing makes me change anything from my outlook posted yesterday.
Still a small threat for a Friday shower, but high pressure settles in over the weekend so no worry of precip.
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#24
by
zeke01
on 05 Feb, 2008 11:08
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Joffan - 4/2/2008 12:48 PM
With all due respect to the forecast models; I still have yet to see a forecast source (for temperate latitudes) that is reliable for localized weather more than about 48 hours out.
Can't pass that up. A teachable moment.
As I understand it for our friends up north, getting reliable (in the statistical sense) and accurate forecasts of sensible weather elements, like temperatures, winds, probability of precipitation, are not there yet from the Meteorological Service of Canada. (In fact Candian station UMOS is darned hard to find) :/
On the other hand, the United States Weather Service does post-processing of the numerical model outputs to produce forecasts of sensible weather that are quite reliable and accurate, particularly within 60 hours. Forecasters are able to add value to it and do a bit better. For instance, along Florida east coast, the 60-hr high temperature forecasts were often within 3 degrees of the observed last month.
So reliable weather guidance for the temperate regions is there for the United States, you have to look for it, and not very hard at that.
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#25
by
Joffan
on 05 Feb, 2008 18:57
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48 hours, 60 hours... well I'm glad we're making progress. It probably has been long enough that the "two days" I routinely mentally assign to the weather forecast reliability should become "two and a half days".
Except in the hands of an expert with local knowledge of course; thumbs up to rdale.
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#26
by
rdale
on 05 Feb, 2008 19:11
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I'm in Michigan, so I'm not very local to KSC or Zaragosa for that matter
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#27
by
rdale
on 05 Feb, 2008 22:02
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In reponse to Dember's post -- The thicker clouds start in Thursday morning. I could go either way on 40% or 60% - basically odds are 50/50...
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#28
by
wannamoonbase
on 06 Feb, 2008 01:03
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Rain is only one element. Winds and the TAL site weather factor in as well.
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#29
by
rdale
on 06 Feb, 2008 01:31
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wannamoonbase - 5/2/2008 9:03 PM
Winds and the TAL site weather factor in as well.
Not Thursday - winds and TAL sites are all fine... It's the rain and anvil clouds from any storms that we're worried about.
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#30
by
rdale
on 06 Feb, 2008 04:19
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I'll swing more towards the 40% no-go for tonight, new data showing a little less rain coverage during the afternoon as it appears the bulk of the front's impact may hold off until evening...
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#31
by
DaveS
on 06 Feb, 2008 13:32
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rdale - 6/2/2008 6:19 AM
I'll swing more towards the 40% no-go for tonight, new data showing a little less rain coverage during the afternoon as it appears the bulk of the front's impact may hold off until evening...
How about cloud cover? It's not just the showers we have to worry about. They can't launch unless the clouds cooperate aswell(ceiling 6000 ft)!
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#32
by
rdale
on 06 Feb, 2008 14:00
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Showers and anvils are clearly my biggest worry - there may be low clouds in the area but I think if it does get canceled it will be because of precip (local and/or distant.)
I'm available all day Thu/Fri so expect plenty of "nowcasts" as we call them.
If you've been reading the news about dozens of people killed by tornadoes yesterday - this is the same system. FORTUNATELY the front won't have any of the punch it has when it passes over the peninsula, so not worried at all about something similar.
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#33
by
rdale
on 06 Feb, 2008 14:42
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#34
by
Mike_1179
on 06 Feb, 2008 15:28
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I know people keep mentioning the STS-116 launch that has 70% probability of weather prohibiting launch 48 hrs out that dropped to 30% probability a day later. My question is more general - is South Florida weather that variable during the winter months, or was that an anomoly?
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#35
by
rdale
on 06 Feb, 2008 15:44
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It depends on what was happening... Was a cold front expected to move in, but then slowed down by 12 hours? That'd do it. Early morning where low clouds and fog might be a problem, but it burns off early? Big swing. Sea breeze expected to kick off thunderstorms, but they end up forming farther inland?
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#36
by
Chandonn
on 06 Feb, 2008 16:38
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The Front has definitely lagged up here in Kentucky! I wouldn't be surprised if tomorrow's forecast for Florida improves a bit.
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#37
by
Lawntonlookirs
on 06 Feb, 2008 16:49
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#38
by
Avron
on 06 Feb, 2008 21:10
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rdale - 6/2/2008 10:00 AM
Showers and anvils are clearly my biggest worry - there may be low clouds in the area but I think if it does get canceled it will be because of precip (local and/or distant.)
Rob are your models converging at this time? And is the front moving quicker than expected?
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#39
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 06 Feb, 2008 22:28
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Funny how quickly things change.... it was overcast all day here in Daytona, some really thick, dark clouds with rain moved in around 3pm and then suddenly, at 4:30pm clear blue skies! Tomorrow should be interesting!
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#40
by
rdale
on 06 Feb, 2008 22:50
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Nothing really new to note - still about a 50/50 chance. More when the new data comes in tonight.
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#41
by
on 06 Feb, 2008 22:57
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Is that for tomorrow? The 50/50?
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#42
by
hobson911
on 07 Feb, 2008 00:06
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Many thanks to rdale for his updates. Great to have a meteorologist on board we can ask questions to.
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#43
by
rdale
on 07 Feb, 2008 00:08
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Justin Wheat - 6/2/2008 6:57 PM
Is that for tomorrow? The 50/50?
Yep - first launch attempt is Thursday.
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#44
by
on 07 Feb, 2008 00:09
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This is the front that is suppose to be coming through tomorrow?
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#45
by
psloss
on 07 Feb, 2008 01:00
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Justin Wheat - 6/2/2008 8:09 PM
This is the front that is suppose to be coming through tomorrow?
Well, that's the precip associated with it...
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#46
by
psloss
on 07 Feb, 2008 08:57
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Couple of caps from the last few hours...
Top -- 845Z, which is 3:45 am local
Bottom -- 948UTC, which is 4:48 am local...
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#47
by
psloss
on 07 Feb, 2008 10:24
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Latest observation from the SLF:
METAR KTTS 071055Z 22009G16KT 10SM FEW006 SCT023 21/18 A3002 RMK SCT V BKN SLP166 1ST 4SC /4/
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#48
by
psloss
on 07 Feb, 2008 10:30
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And from a few hours ago, the SMG forecast...issued at around 0800 UTC...
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#49
by
rdale
on 07 Feb, 2008 11:28
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Nothing really dramatic to change so far this morning... Showers are lined up from Tampa Bay to Daytona and sliding ENE. Very low clouds are also associated with the rain, but I expect those to break up a bit as the day progresses. Hopefully the inland cloudiness will keep the mid sections of the state cool enough to prevent thunderstorms, which would remove anvils from the equation.
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#50
by
psloss
on 07 Feb, 2008 11:30
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No change then in the expectation for the front to be in the KSC area at around launch time?
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#51
by
psloss
on 07 Feb, 2008 11:38
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OK, George Diller just relaying from the recent weather briefing that it's still too early to tell on the timing of the front.
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#52
by
rdale
on 07 Feb, 2008 11:41
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It's just kind of dragging itself along, so I wouldn't be surprised if the front itself isn't too close at launch time, but the rain doesn't usually ride right up along the front in that case - it forms and moves off it to the east...
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#53
by
psloss
on 07 Feb, 2008 11:45
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rdale - 7/2/2008 7:41 AM
It's just kind of dragging itself along, so I wouldn't be surprised if the front itself isn't too close at launch time, but the rain doesn't usually ride right up along the front in that case - it forms and moves off it to the east...
It looks like the line around Daytona has slowed up a little (at least the radar look)...is there an effect of "running into" the Easterlies off the Atlantic? I'm thinking more of summer conditions I guess, but just wondering...
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#54
by
rdale
on 07 Feb, 2008 11:50
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Not really - the flow is pretty established out of the south/southwest out ahead of the front. It's just that the winds behind it are very weak -- north at 5 -- so nothing to really 'slam' it through like the 30-50mph winds behind it when it moved across the US.
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#55
by
psloss
on 07 Feb, 2008 11:56
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Thanks, Rob.
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#56
by
TALsite
on 07 Feb, 2008 11:56
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I don’t know if this info is useful for you. This is a climatologic info, not aeronautical info.
If it isn’t useful, let me know, please.
ZARAGOZA - Weather
(From the web INM-Spain)
Rain probabilities: 0% on launch day. Some clouds.
Winds: 11 km/h E
Temp: Max 16º C Min 7º C
Tomorrow: Same conditions with a little more clouds
I see a sunny spring day looking from my window . Perfect for a launch…
Goodspeed Atlantis. I’ll see you in orbit.
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#57
by
Avron
on 07 Feb, 2008 12:09
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Is there a lot of moisture in the air? Do we have to worry about Ice on the vehicle today?
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#58
by
Lawntonlookirs
on 07 Feb, 2008 12:28
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#59
by
psloss
on 07 Feb, 2008 13:11
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Avron - 7/2/2008 8:09 AM
Is there a lot of moisture in the air? Do we have to worry about Ice on the vehicle today?
The spread between the temp and the dewpoint was about 5F in the last posted observation at the SLF:
METAR KTTS 071355Z 22008KT 10SM FEW006 FEW039 SCT110 23/20 A3004 RMK SLP174 1ST 1SC /1/ 3AC /4/
Or:
http://weather.noaa.gov/weather/current/KTTS.html
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#60
by
psloss
on 07 Feb, 2008 14:21
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A more recent SMG forecast...looks like they've removed the chance of a crosswind violation at KSC from the forecast (at least for now).
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#61
by
jacqmans
on 07 Feb, 2008 14:24
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#62
by
rdale
on 07 Feb, 2008 14:24
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I questioned that from the get-go anyways... I'm "mildly" more optimistic given the current radar picture, and my analysis of the morning data not showing quite enough convergence (winds coming together) to kick off widespread showers and storms. I'm definately on the "good" side of 50/50 now
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#63
by
Chris Bergin
on 07 Feb, 2008 14:43
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Sounds good. Such a smooth count right now, would be a real shame to have to scrub due to weather.
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#64
by
psloss
on 07 Feb, 2008 14:48
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Chris Bergin - 7/2/2008 10:43 AM
Sounds good. Such a smooth count right now, would be a real shame to have to scrub due to weather.
I would think it would be disappointing not to get a chance to launch, but validating that the feed-through connector changes worked is still a good thing.
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#65
by
rdale
on 07 Feb, 2008 14:50
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Chris Bergin - 7/2/2008 10:43 AM
would be a real shame to have to scrub due to weather.
Why does the weatherman always take the blame for bad conditions
It's not like we throw a Frosty on the news guy when gas prices go up :bleh:
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#66
by
Lee Jay
on 07 Feb, 2008 14:51
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What about low/mid-level winds? Those clouds on NASA TV right now sure appear to be "cookin'".
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#67
by
Avron
on 07 Feb, 2008 14:57
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rdale - 7/2/2008 10:50 AM
Chris Bergin - 7/2/2008 10:43 AM
would be a real shame to have to scrub due to weather.
Why does the weatherman always take the blame for bad conditions
It's not like we throw a Frosty on the news guy when gas prices go up :bleh:
The term "weatherman" sounds like someone accountable
Looks like things are getting a little more exciting of the west coast, little nasty heading NE.. any impact? or will it arrive late
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#68
by
rdale
on 07 Feb, 2008 15:01
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Low level winds are 15-25kts, stuff west of Tampa Bay is moving northeast so no direct impact but if it develops into storm action then we worry about anvils.
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#69
by
rdale
on 07 Feb, 2008 15:40
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Front is not moving much at all, absolutely no precip in the area -- I'm feeling better!
(Plus I need something to cheer me up - I broke my snowblower on a rock and have 60 feet of driveway with 8-12 inches of snow to shovel!)
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#70
by
DaveS
on 07 Feb, 2008 15:47
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rdale - 7/2/2008 5:40 PM
Front is not moving much at all, absolutely no precip in the area -- I'm feeling better!
(Plus I need something to cheer me up - I broke my snowblower on a rock and have 60 feet of driveway with 8-12 inches of snow to shovel!)
How about the cloud decks? They just went RED on the ceilings.
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#71
by
psloss
on 07 Feb, 2008 15:55
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Just noted by PAO that they could go back and forth from RED to GREEN on clouds and ceilings...
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#72
by
dember
on 07 Feb, 2008 15:55
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Back to GREEN on cloud ceilings! for now
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#73
by
Avron
on 07 Feb, 2008 16:09
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rdale - 7/2/2008 11:40 AM
Front is not moving much at all, absolutely no precip in the area -- I'm feeling better!
(Plus I need something to cheer me up - I broke my snowblower on a rock and have 60 feet of driveway with 8-12 inches of snow to shovel!)
so do we have a Rob probability for launch ?
( may just need to replace the shear pin on that snowblower )
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#74
by
rdale
on 07 Feb, 2008 16:10
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DaveS - 7/2/2008 11:47 AM
How about the cloud decks? They just went RED on the ceilings.
It's not an overcast deck - so they'll be in-n-out all day.
Storms just now firing WELL offshore of Tampa Bay (good) but due to strong winds aloft the anvils are streaming far in advance... Anvil rules are tricky so don't get too worked up.
Yet.
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#75
by
nathan.moeller
on 07 Feb, 2008 16:38
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Thanks for all the updates Rob. Fingers crossed on the weather. At least the winds slowed down.
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#76
by
on 07 Feb, 2008 16:43
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Does it look like we have a chance to make it toady?
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#77
by
ETEE
on 07 Feb, 2008 16:46
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Chance of weather violations reduced from 70% to 60% from Kathy Winters via PAO
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#78
by
James (Lockheed)
on 07 Feb, 2008 16:46
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nathan.moeller - 7/2/2008 11:38 AM
Thanks for all the updates Rob. Fingers crossed on the weather. At least the winds slowed down.
Yes, it's been good to follow the updates on the weather here.
"Hi, I'm Kathy Winters and when I'm checking my launch weather conditions, I always cross reference with RDale, on NSF."
Chris, make it happen
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#79
by
rdale
on 07 Feb, 2008 17:11
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Shower forming west of Orlando, it's path would keep it out of the 20mi zone and doubt it'll get lightning.
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#80
by
nathan.moeller
on 07 Feb, 2008 17:13
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rdale - 7/2/2008 12:11 PM
Shower forming west of Orlando, it's path would keep it out of the 20mi zone and doubt it'll get lightning.
Great news. I think most of us will hold out hope until we see an orbiter sitting on the pad after the window closes.
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#81
by
RafaelCE
on 07 Feb, 2008 17:15
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Per the panning in NasaTV feed, a little while ago, I could see there was plenty of sun. Hopefully we will have a good breach in the sky by T-9 min and go...
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#82
by
nathan.moeller
on 07 Feb, 2008 17:17
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RafaelCE - 7/2/2008 12:15 PM
Per the panning in NasaTV feed, a little while ago, I could see there was plenty of sun. Hopefully we will have a good breach in the sky by T-9 min and go...
Indeed. But, as was said earlier, it'll be in-and-out all day. It's a matter of weather or not (yes, that's intentional) they'll have an opening in the sky within the ten-minute launch window.
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#83
by
RafaelCE
on 07 Feb, 2008 17:23
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Absolutelly
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#84
by
psloss
on 07 Feb, 2008 17:43
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SLF observation at 1:25 pm local:
SPECI KTTS 071825Z 22012G18KT 10SM FEW029 FEW055 BKN300 28/19 A2998 RMK MDT CU E AND W SLP152 2CU 1SC /2/ 7CI /2/ N2111/16 C2014/19 S2108/13
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#85
by
DaveS
on 07 Feb, 2008 18:00
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SLF observation at 1:55 pm local:
KTTS 071855Z 23011G16KT 10SM FEW038 OVC300 29/19 A2996 RMK SLP146 2CU /2/ 8CS /3/ N2311/16 C2110/14 S2409/16
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#86
by
mikes
on 07 Feb, 2008 18:19
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Okay, you're intriguing me now with these TLE lookalikes! Could you point me to a decoder ring?
thanks
Mike
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#87
by
Astromattical
on 07 Feb, 2008 18:22
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Do a search for METAR - you'll find out how to decode it. Basically it's the location of the forecast, date and time, winds coming from 230 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 16. Visibility 10SM, few clouds at 3,800', overcast at 30,000', temp/dew point (confirm?), and Altimeter 29.96. And various goodies in the remarks.
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#88
by
psloss
on 07 Feb, 2008 18:24
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#89
by
jbirdav8r
on 07 Feb, 2008 18:24
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Astromattical - 7/2/2008 1:22 PM
Do a search for METAR - you'll find out how to decode it. Basically it's the location of the forecast, date and time, winds coming from 230 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 16. Visibility 10SM, few clouds at 3,800', overcast at 30,000', temp/dew point, and Altimeter 29.96. And various goodies in the remarks.
The 29/19 is temperature and dewpoint in Celsius. SM= statute mile (what you're used to in a car). SLP is sea level pressure, that reads 1014.6 millibars. Most of the rest I think has to do with sky condition--not sure...
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#90
by
rdale
on 07 Feb, 2008 18:25
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No lightning with that cell, thought another shower was forming west of MLB but I think that's smoke from a fire...
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#91
by
Real Madrid
on 07 Feb, 2008 18:29
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The Weather looks good for a launch
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#92
by
Lee Jay
on 07 Feb, 2008 18:38
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rdale - 7/2/2008 8:50 AM
Chris Bergin - 7/2/2008 10:43 AM
would be a real shame to have to scrub due to weather.
Why does the weatherman always take the blame for bad conditions
Thanks for the weather, Rob! We know you are fully responsible for the quality we now enjoy!
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#93
by
Bret
on 07 Feb, 2008 19:01
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And that, folks, is why we tank even when the weather is unfavorable.
Go Atlantis!
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#94
by
mikes
on 07 Feb, 2008 19:04
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Do a search for METAR
... and another whole world opens up. I love this site!
Thanks guys
Mike
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#95
by
rdale
on 07 Feb, 2008 19:06
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Lee Jay - 7/2/2008 2:38 PM
Thanks for the weather, Rob! We know you are fully responsible for the quality we now enjoy!
Well, now I'll agree that you always blame / credit the weatherman
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#96
by
hobson911
on 07 Feb, 2008 19:10
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thanks again rdale for those weather updates. You kept us informed. How about moving to Florida...don't need snowblowers here! What a close call...Looks like showers are about to
enter the 20 mi zone!
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#97
by
Flex Flint
on 07 Feb, 2008 19:42
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Lee Jay - 7/2/2008 8:38 PM
rdale - 7/2/2008 8:50 AM
Why does the weatherman always take the blame for bad conditions
Thanks for the weather, Rob! We know you are fully responsible for the quality we now enjoy!
Seconded. I don't post much here, but I lurk a lot, and I'm often present on launches, flights, and landings. Thanks much to Mr. Bergin, admins, weathermen (you shouldn't take the blame), and helpful commenters from this site.
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#98
by
rdale
on 08 Feb, 2008 20:13
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Side note to the slower front: they warmed into the mid-80's that day instead of forecast 70's, and storms formed not long after launch with 1/3" of rain.
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#99
by
trlstyle
on 09 Feb, 2008 01:16
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rdale - 8/2/2008 4:13 PM
Side note to the slower front: they warmed into the mid-80's that day instead of forecast 70's, and storms formed not long after launch with 1/3" of rain.
Interesting. I was at KCS until about 6 (when i headed home via southwest) we didnt catch a drop of rain.
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#100
by
rdale
on 09 Feb, 2008 05:28
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It was an isolated storm, but lightning was within the boundary combined with anvil blowoff...
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#101
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 09 Feb, 2008 06:09
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I left the KSC area about 35mins after launch and headed north. Hit a wicked thunderstorm as I got home (Edgewater, about 35mins north of KSC and just south of Daytona Beach by 20mins). Thank god launch wasn't 20mins later or I doubt they'd have made it.
And Rdale... thanks so much for the weather updates. Was checking this site as I sat across the river in Titusville and kept updating all the people around me. It was interesting. About two minutes after you mentioned the shower around Orlando, we saw the STA take off and head toward Orlando to go investigate it.
but overall looking good.
